Stable (alpha) MnS was synthesized by solvothermal method in different solutions at relatively low temperature (120 degrees C for 12 h). The effect of the solvents. surfactant, the ratio of reactant to the surfactant and reaction temperature, time on the morphology and phase of products has been investigated. The morphology of the products was mainly affected by the solvent and the concentration of the surfactant. The as-prepared alpha-MnS crystals have been characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-vis absorption and the PL spectrum and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The proposed formation mechanism of alpha-MnS is also discussed. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.